In what may well be an automotive industry first, Mazda is recalling 52,000
cars because of the potential for a vent line to be clogged by -- you
guessed it -- spider webs. (Yes, really.)
"A certain type of spider may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent
line and this may cause a restriction in the line," warns the official
recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If a
spider does weave its tangled web there, it could prevent vapors from
escaping the fuel tank and "eventually result in a crack, potentially
leading to fuel leakage and an increased risk of fire."
The recall applies to 2009-2010 model year Mazda6's. Back in October 2009,
the automaker examined a Mazda6 with a crack in the fuel tank and, lo and
behold, found a spider web in the vent line.
"Our subsequent investigation revealed that a spider web caused a
restriction in the canister vent line," Mazda informed NHTSA in a letter
dated Feb. 25.
Owners of the midsize sedan will need to take their car to a Mazda
dealership where a special valve designed to "prohibit spider intrusion"
will be installed.
Mazda says no fires, accidents, or injuries are known to have been caused by
this insect-related issue.
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